genetic predecessors

["Richard Knack" <birdman@domain.elided>]

My dad just got done rebuilding the '75 Scout II he's owned since I was 4
years old - bought it new in '75, in fact (it's an early VIN for that model
year). There's been some changes: the original 304 has been replaced by a
392, and the original T18 4-speed has been replaced by a TF727 automatic (my
dad has had problems with operating a clutch in city traffic since his knee
surgery several years ago), and the body's been replaced with a '79 body
(wiring, too) with fiberglass quarters and fenders (he has the piece of door
post metal with the VIN sticker on it cut out and welded into the proper
place on the new body, though), but I still think of it as the same truck I
grew up with, with a new lease on life. Many of its parts my dad doesn't
want are being used to fix my '73 half-cab. Let's not let the IHC light
trucks die out!